Who is chef Dale Spink on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 now in full swing on BBC One, we find out more about Dale Spink, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Dale lives in Farsley, Leeds, with his fiancée and their three children.
Age at start of filming
29
Job role
Private chef & head chef at a café
Chef background
“I learned my craft through an apprenticeship at Thomas Danby College, doing day release while working at La Rue in Saltaire. I then worked anywhere I could to gain experience.
“My private dining experiences have been some of my biggest highlights - we’ve elevated in every aspect, and the magic that happens at each experience is breathtaking.
“During filming, I was running Le Voyage Dining Experience and Café Deli Margaux. We built a commercial kitchen at home for Le Voyage, and I also work with Thomas Franks catering.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“I fell in love with cooking at a young age - around 10 to 14 - while playing football for Leeds United.
“I had to prepare my own tea because my mum was childminding, so I’d eat before heading to training at 5:30pm. Then at 13, work experience gave me the real chef bug when I worked a full busy Saturday service in an old-school kitchen.
“I got the bug instantly, and the rest is history.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?
“I love taking traditional flavours and combinations and adding a modern twist that brings back nostalgia. I’m not scared to create new dishes and push myself creatively.”
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Three ingredients you can’t live without
“Onions, garlic, salt.”
What you eat when you get back from service
“A cheeky takeaway curry or beans on toast.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. I wanted to show my kids that their dad has put a lot into his career and has never given up - and I want them to live by that example.”
Outside of cooking what are your passions?
“Spending time with my family - days out with the kids, adventures, dining out together. My favourite time of the week is dinner time: no phones, full focus on us as a family.”
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